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Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast discusses topics from vacation trip planning to trip reporting on vacations at theme parks, beaches, cruises, international travel & anywhere else a vacation may take you. We may sprinkle in a little theme park news or a game just for fun.
255 Episodes
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In Episode 254, Tom is joined by Jon, Dave, and Kris for a full 2025 stats breakdown—YouTube performance, podcast numbers, park visit tracking, ride counts, and the takeaways your data is screaming at you. Plus: Disney Springs news, a Disney+ arbitration controversy update, a Universal Epic Universe incident making headlines, SeaWorld’s “duck lawsuit” dismissal, Disney summer deals, and Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 park-by-park.
Welcome to Episode 253 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast — and our first episode of 2026.After a short break from the news desk, Tom and Jon are back with a packed episode covering major industry headlines, park changes, Disney announcements, and a full Rumor Report segment where the fog rolls in and the fact-checking clocks out.In this episode, we discuss the passing of SeaWorld Orlando’s killer whale Katina and former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto, major IP news as Sony acquires control of the Peanuts brand, attraction updates across Florida parks, Disney’s newly released 2026 calendar, ticket deals, and a mountain of announcements from Walt Disney World.Plus, we dive headfirst into rumors, including potential changes coming to Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando rumors, and early speculation surrounding Halloween Horror Nights 2026, including rumored houses, scare zones, and live entertainment changes.Proceed with caution — this episode covers facts and speculation.
It’s the final VacationCheers episode of the season and the last podcast of 2025, so naturally we went big.In Episode 252, Tasseled Tom is joined by Caroling Kris for a holiday-packed rundown featuring a Tennessee Christmas weekend, festive theme parks, concerts, and haunted holidays.We kick things off with a Christmas-filled trip to Pigeon Forge, including our stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge on the Parkway, dining mishaps (and wins) at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and festive fun at Anakeesta during Enchanted Christmas.From there, it’s all aboard for Dollywood and their iconic Smoky Mountain Christmas. We talk about rides, shows, lights everywhere and first-time reactions to Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier.We also touch on: • Wild Adventures Theme Park – Christmas Wild & Bright • Red Vein Haunted Christmas with Ian • Trans-Siberian Orchestra holiday magic with JoannaAlong the way, there are injuries, veteran discounts, hot cocoa economics, percussion appreciation, and a few classic Vacationeers side quests.We close out the episode—and the year—by saying thank you for the support in 2025 and looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026.
Central Florida goes full sleigh-bell chaos, and we’re here to break it all down.In Episode 251 of the VacationCheers Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon as they kick things off with Jon’s firsthand experience at Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida, before diving headfirst into the heavy hitters: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, and Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.From LEGOLAND’s family-friendly seasonal fun to millions of lights, ice shows, sampler cards, Grinch sightings, wizarding holiday magic, and Macy’s-style parades, we cover:What each event offersWhen they runWhat’s included vs. up-chargeAnd what’s actually worth your time (and money)Whether you’re planning a holiday park crawl or just want to soak in the festive chaos from your couch, this episode has you covered.🎄 Bring the cocoa 🎢 Watch the wait times 🎟️ Never lose your sampler card
Episode 250 is here — and it’s time to take a victory lap.In this milestone episode of Vacationeers Theme Parks & More, we celebrate 250 episodes by breaking down the podcast by the numbers. From the most-discussed parks and seasonal spin-offs to co-host appearances, episode lengths, and how the show has evolved since Episode 1 in 2017, this episode is all about the journey.We look back at the early days, the rise of VacationScares and VacationCheers, the growth into longer-form discussions, and the incredible friends who’ve joined us along the way. Whether you’ve been listening since the beginning or just hopped on the ride recently, Episode 250 is a celebration of theme parks, travel, and the memories we’ve made together.Thanks for being part of it — here’s to the next 250.⏱️ Episode DetailsEpisode Number: 250Podcast: Vacationeers Theme Parks & MoreRelease Date: December 1, 2025Length: 45:06Host: TomCo-Host(s): Ian, Dave & Kris📌 Topics Covered250 episodes of Vacationeers historyPodcast stats and milestonesCo-host Hall of FameMost-covered parks and destinationsVacationScares & VacationCheers evolutionHow the show has changed over timeLooking ahead to the future of the podcast🎧 Where to Listen🎙️ Podcast available on all major platforms 📺 YouTube (audio version): https://www.youtube.com/c/VacationeersPodcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 📩 Contact the show: vacationeerspodcast@gmail.com🧠 Episode 250 “By the Numbers” Highlights(Great to include in show notes or on your website)250 episodes released since 2017Average release cadence: ~12 daysTotal runtime: 271+ hours (over 11 days of audio)VacationScares episodes: 30VacationCheers episodes: 15Only one solo episode ever: Episode 217🏰 Most-Covered DestinationsUniversal OrlandoBusch Gardens WilliamsburgWalt Disney WorldSeaWorld OrlandoBusch Gardens TampaCruises & travel adventures
Welcome to Episode 249 of the VacationCheers Podcast! I’m your jolly host, Twinkly Tom, joined by Christmas Kris, and today we’re diving face-first into Florida’s holiday trifecta:❄ Now Snowing at Celebration 🎄 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 🧊 ICE! at Gaylord PalmsWe break down the atmosphere, entertainment, food, surprises, and all the cozy-chaotic fun each of these holiday events brings to Central Florida. Whether you’re hunting for snowfall in 70-degree weather or freezing your mittens off inside a 9-degree ice cavern, there’s something magical waiting for you.🔥 Related Vlogs You Shouldn’t Miss: • This year's ICE!: https://youtu.be/A-fnDvlrUGU • Jollywood Nights Opening Night Vlog: https://youtu.be/Q3bXcJrYUlg • Last year’s ICE! (for comparison): https://youtu.be/7pgQisZFatY📺 Latest from Vacationeers YouTube Livestreams every Wednesday at 7 PM on the Vacationeers YouTube Channel!🛒 New Merch on Amazon: Rip Ride Rockit Tee Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt Graveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Tee I Came for the Boos (Disney inspired)🔗 Follow & Support Us Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/VacationeerTom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/If you enjoy the show, please leave a positive review on iTunes—it helps the holiday spirits find us faster!
🎢 Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast – Episode 248Disney just debuted Zootopia: Better ZOOgether inside Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and we’ve got thoughts — including Tom’s favorite part!We also talk: 🦅 Soarin’ Across America (new version coming Summer 2026) 🐭 Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure returning in 2D 🎭 Six Flags’ DC Heroes Fest replacing Holiday in the Park 🎢 Universal Orlando’s Finnegan’s refurb 🎠 Silverwood’s acquisition by Herschend 🌏 Global news: PokéPark KANTO, Infinity Planet Project 🥐 Plus: Tom reviews the Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France at EPCOT — bottomless mimosas, buttery croissants, and all.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔗 vacationeerspodcast.com 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vacationeerspodcast 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom ☀️ So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In the final VacationScares Podcast of 2025, Tom is joined by his skeleton crew of Jittery Jon, Deceased Dave, and Cremated Kris as they descend upon Atlanta for a triple-dose of terror! From the blood-soaked brilliance of Netherworld Haunted House, to the screams of Six Flags Over Georgia’s Fright Fest, to a rush of RMC airtime at Fun Spot America Atlanta—the crew breaks it all down.They share every scream, scare, and coaster count (including Tom’s 227th!), plus Jon recounts his own Halloween Horror Nights experience from Orlando. It’s an episode packed with haunted thrills, theme park chills, and plenty of laughs from beyond the grave.🕷️ Recent YouTube Vlogs: Haunted Mansion Holiday • Monster Stomp on Ripper Row • Total Terror Haunted Attraction • Oogie Boogie Bash • Howl-O-Sprint 5K • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party • Brick or Treat • Scream-A-Geddon • Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar • HHN Premium Scream Night💀 Subscribe & Support: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More Twitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelf Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast Website: vacationeerspodcast.com👕 Shop the Merch: 🛒 Rip Ride Rockit Tee 🛒 Scaredy Cat Halloween Shirt 🛒 Graveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Tee 🛒 I Came for the Boos – Disney Inspired🎢 Locations Featured: Fun Spot America Atlanta • Netherworld Haunted House • Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest🧟♂️ Until next Halloween season, keep having nightmares.
In Episode 246 of the VacationeerScares Podcast, Taggled Tom is joined by Electrocuted Ian to discuss Ian’s two-night HHN trip to Orlando, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream, Total Terror Haunted Attraction in Virginia, and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K at SeaWorld Orlando!From possessed corn mazes and wolf attacks to holiday-horror hybrids, we cover it all — and decide which events truly deliver the screams this season.🎥 Watch our latest haunts and theme park adventures: YouTube Channel🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: Rip Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
Welcome to Episode 245 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast!Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed episode featuring a fiery week of theme park news — literally! From Universal’s Rip Ride Rockit catching fire during demolition to Disney’s latest ticket price hikes, we cover every spark, shock, and surprise across the parks.Then, Tom breaks down his California weekend getaway, with stops at Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, and a full day at Disneyland that included Oogie Boogie Bash, 20 attractions, 8 Lightning Lanes, and a breakfast chimichanga that might just top Dole Whip.📰 News Rundown Includes:Busch Gardens Tampa: Iron Gwazi locker crackdown (paid lockers now enforced)Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Guest climbs Tempesto coaster (and gets arrested)Icon Park: 100,000 sq. ft. expansion with new Arte Museum coming in 2027Disney Parks: Ticket price increases, PhilharMagic refurbishment, virtual queue returnGordon Ramsay at The Carnaby coming to Downtown DisneyMuppets takeover of Rock ’n Roller Coaster confirmed for 2026Haunted Mansion guest incident at DisneylandUniversal Orlando: Rip Ride Rockit fire during demolitionStardust Racers reopens after safety investigationEpic Universe teases Christmas events in Celestial Park and Wizarding WorldBanana Ball coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports (May 29–30, 2026)✈️ Tom’s California WeekendStayed at Whiskey Hotel Hollywood and The Anaheim HotelLunch at Seaside on the Pier, Bloody Marys & bottomless mimosasExplored Santa Monica, Hollywood & Disneyland (20 attractions in one day!)Total cost: $2,425.55🎢 A perfect mix of sunshine, churros, coasters, and chaos!
In Episode 244 of the VacationScares Podcast, Taxidermied Tom welcomes Decapitated Dave and Cadaver Kris from Adventures By D for a glowing good time! They kick things off with Wild Adventures Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival before diving into Tom’s coast-to-coast Disney Halloween trip report.Tom recounts his visits to both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure—then puts them head-to-head in a Halloween showdown. Which Disney party wins: East Coast nostalgia or West Coast villainy?🕷️ Watch Adventures By D on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresByD 🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: https://amzn.to/4kMk06e 🎃 Visit: https://vacationeerspodcast.com
In Episode 243 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom covers a wild mix of theme park news and personal adventures.News highlights include:The bizarre scuba-style robbery at Disney Springs’ PaddlefishA tragic death and lawsuits tied to Epic Universe’s Stardust RacersGlenwood Caverns’ $205M “nuclear verdict” over the Haunted Mine DropMajor new attractions: SeaWorld Orlando’s SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, Legoland’s Galacticoaster, Six Flags Over Texas’ record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run, Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition, and Universal’s Jurassic Park River Adventure refurbSesame Place San Diego shifting to seasonal opsPlus, Tom shares trip reports:Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (tent mishaps, golf cart fun, and eating big at Trail’s End)Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort (cabana rental, resort fee perks, rainy weekend, and Pier 60 livestream during the Verizon outage)And don’t miss what’s really included in those resort fees — from yoga to bottled water.🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: RIP Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In Episode 242 of the VacationeersScares Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) for a jam-packed Halloween recap. Tom dives into his latest experiences at Halloween Horror Nights, including Stay & Scream, food booths, and shows like Nightmare Fuel and Haunt-O-Phonic. He also shares his impressions of Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park with its unique interactive houses, Zombie Paintball, and standout interactive haunts. They also head to LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat, complete with trick-or-treating, meet & greets, and the Monster Skytacular drone show—plus the big announcement of the new Galacticoaster family indoor coaster opening in 2026.
In Episode 241 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon Self to cover the latest theme park news and more. They break down all the big updates from Disney Parks, including Cinderella Castle’s return to its classic colors, the new Tron: Ares overlay, and the long-awaited Carousel of Progress update. They also go over closures coming to Animal Kingdom, including Dinosaur’s official end date.The panel reviews the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, where Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe dominated, Volcano Bay finally toppled Schlitterbahn’s 26-year reign, and Carowinds’ Fury 325 and Knoebels’ Phoenix kept their winning streaks alive.Beyond the news, Tom shares his experience dining at the Beak & Barrel Tavern at Magic Kingdom, while Jon dishes on EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, including the items you might want to avoid this year.🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit shirts: RIP Ride Rockit Tee | Graveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In the continuing VacationScares saga, Tom and Jon discuss their opening weekend visits to both SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream. 🛒 Merch:Rip Ride Rockit TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtGraveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeI Came for the Boos (Disney)Follow & Support:Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and MoreTwitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelfInstagram: @vacationeerspodcastSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
The first VacationScares episode of the 2025 season is here! Tom is joined by Kris and Dave from the Adventures by D YouTube channel, along with Jon Self, to break down everything from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025.We start with Premium Scream Night—Tom gives his unfiltered opinion on whether it lived up to last year’s high bar. Then Dave and Kris share their opening weekend experience, including using Express Pass and Stay & Scream, while Jon adds his own perspective on this year’s event.Finally, we dig into the house rankings, comparing notes on what worked, what disappointed, and which houses absolutely terrified us.🎬 Watch our HHN Premium Scream Night vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKmfJgjev8 📖 Read the full blog: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/2025/09/01/did-hhn-premium-scream-night-2025-live-up-to-the-hype/ 🎥 Check out Adventures by D: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyD🛒 Merch:Rip Ride Rockit TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtGraveyard Rip Ride Rockit TeeI Came for the Boos (Disney)Follow & Support:Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and MoreTwitter: @VacationeerTom | @pastorJonSelfInstagram: @vacationeerspodcastSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In Episode 238 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) dive into a packed slate of theme park news and trip reports. Disney announces a glowing Rainbow Caverns scene for Big Thunder Mountain, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens November 7 at Animal Kingdom, and World Princess Week brings concerts, treats, and merch galore. SeaWorld San Diego reopens Journey to Atlantis, Howl-O-Sprint 5K returns to Orlando this October, and Shark Encounter is set for a 2026 refresh. Universal’s Epic Universe adds Harry Potter and Donkey Kong rides to Express Pass. Plus, Tom recaps Disney Springs dining, Rainforest Café, and even a night out with Nate Bargatze.🛒 Get your Vacationeers gear:Rip Ride Rockit TeeGraveyard Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit TeeScaredy Cat Halloween ShirtI Came for the Boos (Disney)
In Episode 237 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self dive headfirst into spooky season with a packed show. We break down the latest theme park news and debut our brand-new “news” bumper!This week’s news lineup includes:Busch Gardens Tampa’s mid-meal Dragon Fire Grill closureSix Flags introducing haunted house upcharges for Halloween eventsUnited Parks Q2 earnings & how Epic Universe is boosting Orlando tourismSix Flags cutting 2026 capital spending & the uncertain future of the Snoopy licenseDisney’s Q3 earnings with a massive jump in theme park incomeDisney Destiny cruise ship float-out and Magic Kingdom’s new Beak and Barrel pirate pubThen, we unveil our SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream hype lists along with our Halloween Horror Nights hype list for 2025. Finally, we share our full “Halloween” season schedules—covering all the events we’ll be attending this spooky season!👕 Support the show: Rip Ride Rockit Tee #1 – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e Rip Ride Rockit Tee #2 – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e Scaredy Cat Tee – https://amzn.to/4kMk06e🎃 New! Check out our VacationScares page for all our Halloween coverage: https://vacationeerspodcast.com/vacationscares🔗 Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacationeerTom Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/vacationeertom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationeerspodcast/So until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
In Episode 236 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down a week packed with theme park news and adventures! Six Flags parks are canceling their holiday events, Michigan’s Adventure shortens its season, and ICON Park’s Blue Man Group theater finally resumes construction. Tom also spotlights major updates for Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream—including the all-new M.A.R.S. haunted house—and Disney’s big changes at Hollywood Studios and water parks.Then, join Tom for a full Universal Orlando staycation recap! From scoring cheap beers in Old Town and beach time at Honeymoon Island to splurging on Royal Pacific Resort and exploring Epic Universe, every detail is here—including Express Pass strategies, the latest on Epic’s attractions, and pro tips for navigating early entry crowds.Plus: parade premieres, Voodoo Donut reviews, haunted house announcements, and what’s new at Halloween Horror Nights.Don’t miss this episode for your essential theme park fix and firsthand trip reports!🛒 Vacationeers Merch:RIP Ride Rockit TeeGraveyard Rip Ride Rockit Tee
In Episode 235 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon Self (@pastorJonSelf) recap a full day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg—from early morning rope drop antics to an unforgettable stop at the new Burgermeister’s Hideaway speakeasy. They share ride reviews for InvadR, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, Verbolten, Pantheon, Apollo’s Chariot, Escape from Pompeii, Le Scoot, Griffon, and more. Hear why Big Bad Wolf topped Phoenix Rising, why Verbolten desperately needs some TLC, and how Tom scored six beers for just over two bucks thanks to the passholder deal.🎥 Latest YouTube Videos: Disney’s Character Warehouse, San Juan Vlogs, Yuengling Draft Haus, Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tour 🔗 Follow us: Facebook: Vacationeers Theme Parks and More | Twitter: @VacationeerTom @pastorJonSelf | Instagram: @vacationeerspodcast 🛒 Get your Rip Ride Rockit merch on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kMk06eSo until the next vlog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
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